Tip of the Week: Square Quilt Tops
This week's tip is from Cyndi Foote. She made this presentation at last week's Third Thursday Demo. Here's how to ensure that your quilt tops come out square, not wonky.
Blocks need to be the same size. If you piece a quilt top with some blocks that are larger than others and ease in the excess fabric, you’ll end up with waves. If you try to incorporate blocks that are too small and try stretching them to fit, you’ll end up with a quilt that doesn’t have square corners and pulls in, creating drag lines.
One way to ensure that your blocks come out the same size is to square up the block elements as you go. For example, if you are putting together a block that includes five rail fences and four half-square triangles, check to see that each of the nine assembled elements are the same size before sewing the block together. Then, square up each block before assembling the quilt top.
Problems and Solutions
If blocks are too small you may . . .
1. Discard blocks.
2. Restitch blocks (accurate ¼” seam allowances).
3. Add borders to blocks to make them a uniform size.
If blocks are too large you may . . .
1. Discard blocks.
2. Restitch blocks (accurate ¼” seam allowances).
3. Square and cut down (e.g., half square triangles).
4. If the block is off 1/8” to 1/16” you may trim it. It may trim into the seam allowance and cut off points.
Sashing
Measure and cut fabric the size of blocks and add to the sides of blocks. If adding cornerstones, measure and cut fabric the size of top and bottom of blocks and sew to strips. Pin to match seams.
Borders
Begin by measuring both sides and the middle of your quilt. Average the three measurements by adding all three together and dividing by three. Cut your two side borders this length. Pin both ends and the middle of the strips before sewing. Ease the fabric if needed. Stitch. Do not stretch! Press towards the border fabric. Repeat with the top and bottom of your quilt.
If the borders are less than 4” wide, sew together on the diagonal. Draw the line to stitch on . . . don’t guess on this or your border will be crooked. If more than 4” wide, sew a straight seam. If using the length of fabric for a border instead of piecing, be careful not to stretch or your border will be wavy.